Call Us Today!

General Pests

How to get rid of a wasp nest

Moving a wasp nest can be very dangerous. Wasps inside the nest will feel threatened and often become aggressive. This could cause them to sting you and others as they defend their nest and young.

To get rid of wasps you do ‘not’ need to remove the nest, but you do need to treat it and the nesting wasps.

To reduce the risk of stings to you and your family, arrange for a professional wasp nest treatment. This effective solution will eliminate the wasps and keep you safe from the threat of stings.

How to get rid of Wasps

The location of a nest on your property, or nearby, is usually the reason why you have a wasp problem.

If you can get rid of the nest early on in the spring, you can really help to avoid a serious problem in the height of summer.

You should only attempt to use DIY products under the following conditions:

if the nest is small, on your property and easy to access.

if you discovered the nest in early spring and the nest is still small (size of a golf or tennis ball).

if there is minimal wasp activity around the nest.

if you are NOT allergic to wasp stings.

If the nest is within a wall cavity or similar enclosed space it may not be possible to remove it at all.

The good news is that the same nest is never reused by a new queen the following year.

A new nest may be built in the same location though, if it continues to offer shelter, protection and easy access to the outside.

Wasp Nest Treatment

A mature wasp nest only found in late summer will almost certainly require professional treatment due to the high risk of wasp stings. By this stage, a nest may contain thousands of individual wasps. If you still wish to remove the nest yourself, it would be better to wait till late autumn before attempting this and ensure you wear protective clothing as the treatment may still be active within the nest.

Wasps are most active in the warm summer months. In South Africa, the Common Wasp and German Wasp cause the most annoyance and painful stings. Even with their special yellow and black bodies, they can still be confused with hornets, although hornets are not as common in this country, they can still bite and sting you.

Signs of Wasp Nests

If you are experiencing high numbers of wasps in your home or garden there is likely to be a nest nearby, either on your property, in your garden or very close by.

A mature nest in summer can contain thousands of wasps.

It is important to treat a wasp nest early to reduce the threat of a wasp sting, which can be very painful and even cause an allergic reaction.

Identifying a Wasp Nest

Wasps make their nests from chewed wood pulp and saliva, giving them distinctive papery walls. Nests are usually built in sheltered spots with easy access to the outside. You can often find wasp nests in wall cavities, roof spaces, under eaves, in bird boxes, sheds or garages. To locate a nest, carefully watch the flight path of the returning wasps, this becomes easier later in the summer as the numbers of wasps increase.

How big can a Wasp Nest be?

At first, a wasp nest will start off very small.

When a Queen wasp starts to build a nest in spring it is usually about the size of a walnut or golf ball.

As summer progresses the nest will grow rapidly in size, as the number of wasps increases. A nest can become the size of a football, or even bigger in some cases.

It is best to treat a nest earlier in the year before numbers increase and the wasps become more aggressive.

Difference between Wasps and Bees

It is possible to confuse wasps with bees. However, the treatment available for a wasp nest and a beehive differ.

Bees are an endangered species and a bees nest will only be removed if it poses a significant threat to nearby people. Ecopoise will only treat a bees nest as a last resort and with honey bees, only after contacting a qualified beekeeper.

Treatments for a wasp nest are far more common and can be carried out professionally by Ecopoise, quickly and safely.

Facts

Wasps have much less hair on their bodies than bees.

Wasps have a tighter waist between the thorax and abdomen than bees.

Wasps are sometimes mistaken for hornets as they are similar in appearance, but wasps are smaller in size.

Wasps have distinctive yellow and black markings on their bodies.

They have three main body parts; the head, thorax, and the abdomen.

Worker wasps vary in size from 12-17mm.

Only female wasps sting and can do so repeatedly.

How to Get Rid of Moths First the good news: moths aren’t a health risk. Now the bad news: they can cause unsightly damage to clothes, carpets and other materials in your home. Take action as soon as you see the tell-tale holes, or spot small maggot-like larvae or silk cocoons.

There are a number of things you should do immediately to help get rid of moths:

Find out where the heart of the problem is. It might be in a wardrobe, chest of drawers or cupboard. It should be fairly obvious because you’ll see the most signs of damage in that particular area. Start to get rid of the moths by using moth traps to catch the adults, and vacuuming regularly in the affected area to remove all the larvae. Thoroughly launder all your clothes and other fabrics in the infected area, such as bedsheets, linen, and blankets. If you’ve done all this and still can’t get rid of the moths, you should call in our expert technicians. How We Can Help Our experts can recognize the type of moth that is causing your problem. They’ll then use the most effective method to get rid of them, such as a spray, fumigation or heat treatment. We can offer an effective chemical-free ‘heat pod’ treatment. This is particularly useful for getting rid of moths, eggs and larvae in delicate items that can’t be laundered.

Most moths are seen as pests due to the damage their larvae cause to materials, textiles and stored products. Unlike other pests, moths pose you no health risks.

Once inside your home or business, moths can severely damage natural fibers in carpets, clothes, fabrics, fur and even leather. Moth caterpillars cause damage by eating the protein (keratin) found in natural materials like wool, cotton, and silk. This puts your delicate items at a particular risk of damage.

Signs of a Moth Infestation The presence of moths in your home can be frustrating. Not just because of the damage they can cause, but it’s likely to be damage to clothes and fabric that you may have an emotional attachment to – nobody wants to find damage on their carefully stored wedding dress or holes in a quilted throw handed down from a beloved grandmother. The damage these pests can cause to carpets, curtains and upholstery can also become very costly.

The first thing most people notice is the damage caused to clothes, fabrics or carpets.

Other indicators of a moth infestation: Small maggot-like larvae (moth caterpillars). Silken tubes or cases in which the moth larvae live. Pupae (silk cocoons) from which larvae emerge as moths. Adult moths often crawling rather than flying. White-shouldered house moth larvae scavenge on a wide range of food, so are a little less damaging to textiles More Tips for Getting Rid of Moths Follow these tips for the best chance of getting rid of moths in your home.

Change vacuum bags often to make sure you remove all larvae and eggs from your property. Wash all fabrics, soft furnishings, linens, curtains and towels in the affected area – moth larvae find these as tasty as clothes. Clean and wash down affected wardrobes, cupboards, and drawers, especially crack and crevices where eggs might be hiding. Clean suitcases, bags, and containers as these might be hiding more eggs or larvae.

How to Get Rid of Flies

If you know you have a problem with flies in your home, there are ways you can get rid of them quickly.

You could choose to make some practical, cost-free changes around your home to deter flies. This may be as simple as doing some thorough house cleaning.

Another option involves the use of low-cost DIY fly products, which may sometimes require time to install but could further help your efforts at fly control.

Alternatively, you could rely on professional fly control from a qualified pest control company to guarantee a long-term solution to your problem.

Getting Rid of Flies

During a fly’s lifetime (around 30 days), a female will lay between 400-600 eggs. Based on this fact, it is easy to see how a small problem can quickly turn into a large infestation if you do nothing to control flies.

Once a problem has been identified, there are simple ways you can get rid of flies and reduce their numbers on your property.

Tips:

Control moisture – fix leaky taps and blocked drains where water can gather. Flies need moisture to multiply.

Keep food covered – any type of food, even crumbs, can attract flies and encourage them to lay eggs nearby. Leftovers should be carefully covered up. Their contact with your food is also main cause of food contamination.

Remove clutter – eliminate clutter inside the house and in the garden. Messy sites could be a potential breeding site.

There are over 120,000 species of flies worldwide. Flies are considered pests because they pose a health risk to humans, pets and livestock.

They can infest your home or business and spread diseases like Salmonella and E. coli. A few species may even bite humans and animals.

If a small fly problem is left uncontrolled, it has the potential to turn into a serious infestation. Some fly species are able to mature from eggs to adults in just seven days.

Fly Infestation

Flies can be a nuisance when buzzing around your home or business.

You may initially decide to ignore the problem, but if you see flies in large numbers you could be facing an infestation, which requires professional fly control.

Potential harm from Flies:

spread of diseases

contaminated food

bites – some species will bite humans and animals

It is important to act if you see an unusually large number of flies or if they are really interfering with your home life or business.

Signs of a Fly Infestation

Noticing a few noisy flies in your house or business may not mean you have an infestation.

However, it should act as a warning sign to take some preventative action.

Common signs:

Small dark clusters of spots – in light areas (the size of a pinhead)

Regular sighting of flies – around your home, food or bins

Maggots – these are flies in their larval stage and could indicate a potential breeding site on your property

If you have spotted any of these signs you could choose to install some DIY fly products, like light traps, around your property.

This may be able to reduce the number of adult flies but is unable to affect a potential breeding site. The removal of a breeding site is essential for long-term fly control.

Professional Service for Flies

Our service includes the elimination of adult flies and the removal of any breeding site, which could create more problems in the future.

We offer a FREE survey of your home or business to identify your specific problem.

Correct identification of fly species.

All our technicians are certified to guarantee expertise in the field of fly control.

Our targeted treatments can be tailored to your specific needs.

Innovative solutions using parasitic wasps for biological control.

We provide expert advice on how to prevent future fly infestations.

How to Get Rid of Ants

DIY Products, such as ant killer gel, may deal with small garden ant problems. However, larger or multiple infestations of Pharaoh’s, Ghost or Fire ants will require professional ant control to ensure it will not reoccur.

Our certified Surveyors and Technicians thoroughly understand the habits of each ant species.

Once they’ve identified your ants, they can use a range of powerful insecticides to deal with them efficiently. This gives you the reassurance that the problem has been fully dealt with.

Treatments are targeted to your specific ant species in order to solve the problem quickly, whilst ensuring the safety of your family and pets.

Ants will travel in a wide range searching for food, following trails they have established and clustering around the source of food, becoming a nuisance in homes, organizations, and businesses. Small piles of earth around holes in the soil and at the base of exterior walls indicate their origin.

If you’ve seen a few ants scuttling around on the floor, they might be just having a look around. However, they might be the sign of a larger ant infestation.

Ant Infestation Signs

Live insects – If you’re seeing large numbers of live insects then you may well have a problem. If you find them in your kitchen or in areas where you prepare food, then you need to do something about it fast.

Ant pathways – In and out of your home or premises are another sign. Some types of ant will lay down a pheromone trail to a food source. This chemical attracts other ants to find the food.

Ant nest – A nest site can look like a small pile of soil or dirt. Some species of ant like to make their home in walls or other quiet, dark places, which are more difficult to spot.

Ant Facts

Ants belong to the insect order Hymenoptera. They are close relatives of bees and wasps.

Each colony can hold up to half a million ants. They can all get up and go very quickly if the colony is threatened.

Worker ants can live for up to seven years, while a queen can live for up to 15 years.

Ants swarm once every year in August. The young queens fly away and set up their own, new colonies. If you hear people talking about flying ants, this is the swarm they are referring to.

How To Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes get a bad press, but to be honest they deserve it. There are few things more annoying when you’re trying to get to sleep than the high-pitched whine of mosquitoes in your room. You just know that they will bite you at some point in the night.

Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, leaving you with nasty itchy bites. Those bites all come from the female. The male mosquito prefers to feed on nectar and other sweet things.

How do you get rid of mosquitoes in your home for good? If the infestation is small then the first thing you should try is our DIY products. These are highly effective when the problem isn’t too bad, but if it gets worse or keeps coming back then you’ll need to call in the experts.

Everyone knows how annoying and painful mosquitoes can be. Somehow, no matter how many you manage to swat, there always seem to be some that manage to get through to give you a nasty, itchy bite or two. Here are some facts that you might want to know about mosquitoes:

They can develop from eggs to adults in just six to ten days.

They are found close to still water, where their larvae feed and develop.

They seem to be attracted to dark colors.

Mosquitoes will normally bite you at dawn or dusk – or if you’re unlucky, both. That’s when their internal clocks tell them it’s feeding time.

The red bumps and itching caused by a mosquito bite are caused by an allergic reaction to the mosquito’s saliva.

Signs of Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes often make that all-too-familiar high pitched whine.

Bites are an obvious giveaway, ranging from mildly irritating to intensely inflamed with swelling. Only the female mosquito bites humans, the males will feed off nectar and other sweet things.

The adults are attracted to standing water including water butts, water trays from house plants and water bowls, where they lay their eggs.

You might spot them walking upside down on ceilings and glass surfaces.

Mosquitoes travel a long way so if there’s standing water within a mile of your home it may be the source of your problems.

Mosquitoes might be attracted to your lawn or shrubbery if it is well watered.

Mosquito Identification and Elimination

If you know that you have identified a problem with mosquitoes then you might be able to deal with it using our DIY products. These are suitable for small infestations but when it comes to bigger problems or mosquitoes that keep on coming back, then you’ll need professional help.

Our certified technicians are experts in the habits of mosquitoes. They can provide the best treatment for your particular problem as well as advice on how to keep these insects at bay.

Crawling Insects

How to Get Rid of Spiders

Spiders are most likely to enter your home in the autumn in search of a warm place to spend the winter.

The best advice, in general, is to leave them alone. This can be difficult for the millions of people who have a real fear of spiders.

The majority of spider infestations are more of an annoyance – particularly their webs. However, on occasions, more serious situations can occur.

One example of this is the False Widow spider (the common name for a group of species in the genus Steatoda), where there is potential for harm from their bites.

Professional Spider Service

Ecopoise offers a spider inspection and monitoring service aimed at identifying specific spider species that may be harmful.

If a problem species is confirmed, advice will be given on the most suitable solutions for treatment. Our qualified technicians are experienced in the field of spider control and provide a range of professional services.

To control a small infestation, you may decide to use DIY spider products. An established infestation though may require professional treatment to ensure that it will not reoccur.

Signs of a Spider Infestation

Most of the spiders in this country produce webs and this is a key way to identify if spiders are present in your home or business.

In general, spiders can be found in dark, secluded areas, both in your home and garden.

Look for spider webs – The size and shape of spider webs vary by species. Some are orb-shaped while others are funnel-shaped.

Some spider species live in burrows rather than webs, while others are free-ranging and take refuge in crevices.

Some species of spiders are attracted to moist environments. Check your basements, walls, sheds and other damp locations.

Other species can be found in places such as attics, the junction of a wall and ceiling, closets and storage boxes.

Spiders feed on other insects and prey on ants, flies, woodlice and other spiders, so where there is a plentiful supply of other insects, spiders will wait to find their next meal.

As the temperature drops in Autumn, spiders become more active, looking for a mate, and come out of their hiding places. Towards the end of Autumn many die off, but some hibernate until the following Spring.

Spider eggs are laid into a silken sac, on average about 100 eggs in each sac, which may be fixed to a surface, hidden in the web or carried by the female. Signs of the sacs fixed indoors indicate that soon there will be more spiders around.

Tips on Spider Removal

The most effective way to control spiders is to limit its food source. This should include clearing away dead flies, woodlice, millipedes, centipedes, and other crawling insects.

Vacuum regularly, high and low – particularly sheltered spots such as beneath worktops, backs of cupboards or under/behind large furniture.

Remove noticeable webs – on a regular basis.

Fill in gaps – in walls, around pipework, and under doors to deter entry.

Deter all insects – use lighting in a way that is less attractive to the insects (flies) that spiders feed on.

How To Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Once a problem is discovered, most people just want to know how to eliminate them. Thankfully there are steps you can take, prior to professional treatment, to manage the level of infestation.

High levels of hygiene, deep cleaning and the use of DIY bed bug spray products will help to kill some bed bugs. However professional treatment is often needed to successfully treat an infestation as it can be hard to get rid of bed bugs on your own.

DIY solutions are not usually powerful enough to eradicate the presence of bed bugs. They have built up resilience to many types of conventional pesticides, making even professional treatment difficult.

Professional Bed Bug Service

At Ecopoise, we can offer a range of solutions to get rid of bed bugs and to help prevent re-infestations.

Treatment

Our innovative range of treatment options treats bed bugs in your home or business. Another heat treatment aims to quickly and safely eliminate an infestation. A range of other solutions is also available.

Inspection

Early detection is vital in a comprehensive bed bug control service. Once they’re established, they can spread quickly, requiring more timely and powerful control measures.

If you have bed bugs in your house, the only thing on your mind will be getting rid of them as quickly as possible. Bed bugs stay close to a food source, so they are found where people tend to rest and sleep, hence the name bed bug. The frustration they can cause is not only due to the emotional stress of dealing with parasites, but also the irritation of their bites and the potential for secondary infection from constant scratching.

It isn’t always easy to identify bed bugs or know there’s a problem. They remain hidden in tiny cracks and crevices during the daytime. Often the first sign of bed bugs is bites that appear on your body after you wake up.

Common Signs of Bed Bugs

Dark/black stains – on the mattress and surrounding area from bed bug excreta.

Sweet scent – An unpleasant, sweet, sickly scent.

Small dark spots – Small dark blood spots on bedding known as ‘fecal pellets’.

Live insects – despite being small (adult are only 4-5mm long) it’s possible to spot live bed bugs and shed skins.

Locating Bed Bugs

Although your bed is the first place to check, bed bugs can also hide in furniture and furnishings including:

bed frames and headboard crevices

mattress seams

carpets and underlay

skirting boards

between timber floorboards

in cracked or broken plaster, behind peeling wallpaper

inside electrical sockets and fittings

drawers and cupboards

wardrobes

bedside cabinets

Bed bugs are usually found in bedrooms and sleeping areas because they need easy access to a blood meal at night. They are also attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide from our breath.

How do you get bed bugs?

To get a bed bug infestation, you will need to have come into direct contact with them. It’s also worth noting that they don’t distinguish between clean and dirty homes!

Bed bugs are usually brought into a home carried on clothing, or in luggage or furniture. This is usually as a result of staying in infested accommodation.

Effective Silverfish Treatment

Experienced, friendly, local technicians ensure the safety of your family and pets.

Guaranteed, convenient silverfish treatments from certified technicians. More than just a nuisance in homes, Silverfish are known for their destructive feeding habits and can cause a serious problem in large numbers – damaging books, photographs, paintings, plaster and other household items containing starch or cellulose.

Silverfish survive in most environments, but thrive in conditions of high humidity and can often be found in dark, damp areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and attics.

Characterized by a silvery-blue color, tiny scales and wiggling movements resembling that of a fish – these pests are also commonly known as fish moths or carpet sharks.

How To Get Rid of Silverfish

Silverfish are serpentine insects that require damp and humid conditions and thrive in kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and other dark, isolated areas. Fixing leaks in pipework, improving ventilation and using dehumidifiers can help discourage silverfish.

Silverfish feed on:

Starch

Cellulose

Sugar

They can be found in a variety of common items in households and businesses such as books, wallpaper, paintings, fabrics, carpets, coffee, sugar, pasta, and other food debris.

Deny silverfish sustenance by keeping dust and debris to a minimum, vacuum rarely disturbed areas in the home and store food in containers with tightly sealed lids.

Home DIY products such as sprays can help control silverfish populations but large or repeated infestations will require professional treatment. Ecopoise offers experienced technicians and expert, targeted solutions catered to your needs.

How to Get Rid of Fleas

The very thought of fleas in the home is enough to make most people’s skin crawl, but it can happen through no fault of your own. Pets can pick up fleas from other animals or places and give them a ride home. Once they arrive, you’ll want to get rid of them fast.

Tips on Getting Rid of Fleas

There are several things you can do to get rid of fleas if you catch the problem early enough. Here’s our to-do list for a flea-free home:

Before you do anything else vacuum carpets, furnishings, cracks in the floorboards and upholstered furniture. This will not only get rid of adult fleas but also their eggs and larvae. The larvae feed on adult flea feces and other organic matter, which collects in things like carpets and rugs. Removing this source of food is an important step.

Empty your vacuum cleaner very carefully away from the house because the fleas will still be alive.

Groom your pets regularly with a flea comb and wash their beds every week (ideally at 50°c or above).

If your pet is scratching or biting its fur you should talk to your vet. They can recommend the best flea sprays or powders to use to treat your pet.

Fleas are a common problem in homes, especially those with pets. You may discover a problem with fleas even if you do not have pets if previous owners of your property kept cats or dogs.

Fleas may also be carried on other, especially hairy, animals like rabbits, foxes, squirrels, rats, mice and livestock such as pigs.

As parasites, the greatest concern about the presence of fleas in your home or business comes from their bites. Although these are not painful, they can result in an uncomfortable itch or rash. Your pets could also develop allergies to flea saliva.

How to Identify Signs of Fleas

Your cat or dog looks to be in some discomfort and is constantly scratching or biting their fur. Is it a skin infection or could it be fleas feeding? But what do fleas look like? Before you take your pet to the vet there are a couple of ways to check if you have fleas in the home.

Signs of Fleas

Can you see fleas crawling on your pet’s coat? They are normally reddy-brown and about 2mm long.

Check the hind-quarters of your dog or the head and neck of your cat. These are the areas that are targeted and where you might see signs of flea activity.

Carefully look at your pet’s skin for fine black droppings. This is ‘flea dirt’ or adult flea feces and looks like ground black pepper. A good way to spot it is to use a flea comb over a sheet of white paper, which makes it easier to see the small black specks.

Another sign of a problem is flea dirt on pet bedding, carpets or rugs.

Looking for Flea Eggs

Sometimes it’s easy to think you’ve got rid of the fleas in your home when you haven’t. This is because flea eggs are very difficult to spot.

Fleas will lay their eggs on your pet’s body. But they won’t stay there. Eggs easily fall off and can become hidden in carpets, rugs, bedding or gaps between floorboards. Flea eggs are tiny (only about 0.5mm long), oval and white. This makes them almost impossible to see against rough surfaces and materials.

Professional Flea Service

If the fleas keep coming back, or you want to ensure the complete removal, just contact our experts.

Our technicians know exactly what to do when it comes to getting rid of fleas in your home. They understand the habits of different types of flea and can offer the most appropriate and effective solution. It goes without saying that all our treatments are safe for your family and pets.

Termites are widely regarded as a damaging pest to have in your home. If termites (also referred to as ‘white ants’) are not monitored or controlled, they can do great damage to the structure of your home.

Although they are dependent on wood and water for survival, termites will feed on all forms of cellulose such as wood, cardboard, furniture made out of timber, floating timber floors, etc.

Termite Inspection

Annual termite inspections are essential to find termite activity and to assess the conditions that make a property more susceptible to timber pests.

Termite Prevention

There are several methods to help protect your building or structure against termites.

Termite Treatment

At Ecopoise, our termite treatment plans are tailored specifically for your home and your needs.

Termite Warranty

Ecopoise’s Termite Home Protection Plan acts as a warranty for our termite treatment plans, offering the best protection available on the market for your home.

Rodents and Others

The black rat (Rattus rattus)Roof Rat

The brown rat or Norwegian rat (Rattus norvegicus)

How To Get Rid of Rats

Discovering rats in your home or business can be very distressing.

On top of the health risks, rats have also been known to cause fires by chewing through wiring. They can even gnaw through wood, plastics and mild steel.

Professional rat control is the most effective and quickest way to get rid of rats. Expert treatments can prevent damage to your property and protect against diseases spread by this rodent.

How To Catch a Rat

Catching rats or mice is a difficult job.

If you want to solve a rat problem on your own, we offer a range of DIY rat products developed specifically by our technical specialists to control a small infestation. Rat traps alone will not be enough to control a serious or repeat infestation though. Only a professional rat control solution can guarantee complete removal of rats from your home or business.

Worried about rats?

If you have spotted signs of rats, such as droppings or unpleasant urine smell, it is time to get professional treatment

Dangers of Rodents

In the past century alone, more than 10 million people have died from rodent-borne diseases. Although rodents are not major threats to our everyday health, it is justified to be concerned over the potential for rodents to transmit diseases. By their very nature and design, rodents make excellent “vehicles” for harboring and rapidly transporting diseases.

Lyme Disease

Description: Skin lesions, fever, headaches, arthralgias

Carrier: All rodents

Mode of Transmission: Rodent tick bite

Salmonella (Food Poisoning)

Description: Causes intestinal disorders

Carrier: Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission: Rodent feces contamination

Rat-Bite Fever

Description: Relapsing fever that may last several months

Carrier: Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission: Bacteria in mouth and nose of rodent, transmitted via bite or scratch

Typhus

Description: Fever, headache, rash, respiratory attack

Carrier: Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission: Rat flea bite

Plague

Description: Attacks circulatory & respiratory systems

Carrier: Various rodents

Mode of Transmission: Rodent flea bite or by handling an infected animal

Pox (Rickettsial)

Description: Lesion followed by fever, headache, rash

Carrier: House Mouse

Mode of Transmission: Bite of a mite which lives on mice

How To Get Rid of Garden Moles

There is little that can be done to prevent moles entering an area. They often move in from adjacent woodland and banks. Moles are good swimmers and streams present no barrier to their movement

There are plenty of old wives tales that will tell you how to get rid of garden moles, but most of these have no scientific support whatsoever. These include:

Flooding mole tunnels with a hosepipe

Pouring castor oil down the tunnels

TIP YOU CAN TRUST:Reduce the main food source of moles by removing moss and weeds that earthworms are known to like. Having said that, it’s worth remembering that a certain number of worms are good for aerating the soil in your lawn.

Professional Garden Mole Removal

There is an argument for tolerating a small number of moles, as they are not known to carry disease. If this is how you feel, simply remove the earth that makes up the molehills and use a roller to flatten lawn areas where required.

However, if you need to get rid of the garden moles on your land, Ecopoise has the expertise to help.

In our experience, professional trapping or fumigation is the only effective solutions to a serious mole problem

European (garden) moles can do considerable damage to turf, lawns, formal gardens, fairways, greens and sports grounds with their constant digging. They can quickly establish themselves in a location due to their ability to tunnel up to 4 meters an hour, creating complex burrow systems. The eyesight of moles is generally poor, as is their sense of smell. They find food by their acute sense of touch and vibration.

Molehills and ridges spoil lawns, bowling and golf greens and flower beds. Their tunneling damages the roots of young plants and exposes stones and debris that can damage machinery. These factors are costly to gardeners and businesses that rely on their grounds, lawns, greens or gardens.

How to Identify Signs of Garden Moles

Molehills are the name given to fresh mounds of earth that spring up overnight on lawns and other grassy areas.

Newly formed molehills will have loose, damp soil between the blades of grass, whereas the soil on older hills will have become flatter and more compact.

Distinctive raised ridges are also caused by the extensive tunneling of moles.

Tunneling by moles will bring stones up to the surface which may damage mowing machines and harvesters.

The very uneven ground caused by raised ridges and molehills can cause livestock to fall and become injured.

Facts about Garden Moles

A mole’s burrow area is a complex system of different types of tunnels. Permanent tunnels used to travel to feeding areas are deep below the surface while feeding tunnel occurs just below the topsoil and occasionally break through to the surface.

Moles can build around six new hills within 24 hours.

The biggest molehill is not necessarily the newest.

Many molehills do not always mean many moles.

How to Get Rid of Birds

Pest birds can be a real problem for any business. Not only do they cause a mess, but they can also be a health hazard – and a little frightening.

Pigeons and seagulls are normally the worst culprits, especially in towns and cities. Bird removal in these cases is made more difficult by a number of factors:

Pigeons natural food is grain and seeds but they adapt to urban areas by scavenging processed food, such as discarded takeaways and food waste from dustbins.

If they can find enough food pigeons breed the whole year-round, with a peak between March and July.

Seagulls will return year after year to the same nesting site, so once they’re established they’re hard to get rid of.

Seagulls can live a long time – up to 40 years – during which time they can keep on breeding.

Bird Removal Tactics

The best way to discourage birds for good is to remove their food sources, however, in busy urban areas, this is not always a practical solution.

If birds are causing a nuisance at your business premises there are a number of tactics that you can try:

Removing access to nesting sites (for instance by putting barriers over window ledges) can be an effective bird deterrent. Keep any possible food sources well hidden. Make sure bin lids are secure and rubbish bags are not left in the open – gulls, especially, have sharp beaks that will make short work of bin bags.

Pigeons and seagulls can become a real nuisance for your business. It’s not just the mess they make; they can also damage your premises by dislodging roof tiles and blocking guttering.

There are a number of other problems that mean you should adopt bird control measures sooner rather than later. Pigeons and seagulls on your premises can:

Be a health hazard, by spreading diseases such as Ornithosis, E.Coli and Salmonella.

Deface buildings and vehicles with their droppings. They frequently foul entrances and pavements, which can become dangerously slippery.

Encourage insect infestations such as bird mites, textile beetles and fleas – these are attracted to their nests and roosting sites.

Attack customers and employees, especially during the breeding season when they are defending their young.

Signs of a Bird Infestation

You may not realize it but your business premises could be the ideal habitat for pest birds. Pigeons and seagulls have learned how to survive in most environments, scavenging our waste food and needing only the smallest amount of shelter to make their nests.

Here are just some of the ways they’ve adapted to make use of the urban environment:

Pigeons and seagulls use seemingly inhospitable areas of tall buildings and flat roofs to nest.

Balconies, ledges, chimney stacks, guttering, and culverts are favorite areas for these birds.

Seagulls, in particular, like to flock together on flat roofs.

Any gap larger than 25mm that allows access to your building is a potential entry point for pigeons.

Pigeons prefer roof spaces to roost in and can shift loose or damaged tiles to get in

Pigeon or Seagull Infestation Signs

Birds settling on roofs or ledges.

Continuous bird cries, especially from young chicks.

Nesting materials strewn about your premises.

Damaged stock, from pecking and bird fouling.

Droppings concentrated in areas where birds roost.

Debris from nests and feathers, which may block guttering and drainage systems, potentially leading to damp damage.

Ecopoise’s Bird Treatments

Our avian specialists are experienced in how to get rid of pest birds at your place of work, whatever the location. Using discreet, cost-effective methods of pest bird removal like bird proofing or netting, we can get rid of your pigeon or gull problem without harming the birds.

How to Get Rid of Mice

Mice look for access to buildings for food and shelter. They search for easy, abundant sources of food and undisturbed areas to nest. By removing available food sources, your home or business will be less attractive to mice. You will also help to reduce food contamination risks and the spread of disease.

Mice are not fussy eaters and will seek out leftovers on worktops, possibly spreading pathogens and diseases such as Salmonella, Leptospirosis or Hantavirus, as they search for food.

Using cats or plants to get rid of mice

Getting a cat to deter mice is an old wives’ tale. Cats do instinctively hunt mice, but a pet is rarely effective mouse control.

There are also several plants that mice allegedly dislike, including peppermint, chamomile, lavender, cloves, and chilies. These could be used as a minor deterrent, but none can promise a mouse-free home or business.

Learn more about preventing access to mice in the first place

It is natural to feel uncomfortable if you have mice, but there is no need to worry. This is a common problem that can be solved quickly.

Finding mice in your home or business can be very distressing. Mice are known to spread disease as they search for food and shelter. This poses great health risks in kitchens or where children play.

Their natural and constant gnawing habit means mice can also cause great damage to your property, furnishings, and equipment. Simple measures like mouse proofing your property can help to protect you.

Looking for common signs of mice will also help to identify a problem early and ensure quick and effective treatment.

Signs of Mice

Have you heard scratching noises or noticed an unusual smell? You may have mice in your home. Mice can remain hidden for a long time before you even begin to suspect a problem.

If you find signs of activity, our BPCA certified technicians are able to confirm the presence of mice and offer a safe, targeted treatment for your home or business.

Mice Infestation Signs

Grease marks (smudges or smears) – Caused by their bodies brushing against walls, floors and skirting on regular routes, dark smears around holes or around corners.

Urine pillars – In established or heavy infestations, body grease, combined with dirt and urine, builds up into small mounds, up to 4cm high and 1cm wide.

Scratching noises – Often at night when mice are most active. Listen for noises between partition walls, under floorboards, in false ceilings, basements, and lofts.

Nests – Using easy to shred materials, mice then line the nest with other soft materials. Check lofts, suspended ceilings, cavity walls, under floorboards and behind fridges, under stoves and in airing cupboards.

Tracks (footprints) – Dusty environments such as unused lofts and basements can show up rodent tracks and tail marks. To check for activity, sprinkle flour, talcum powder or china clay and check the next day for fresh tracks.

Live or dead mice – Spotting a mouse during the daytime can be an indication of a heavy infestation.

Strong smell – Mice urinate frequently and their wee has a strong ammonia-like smell. The stronger the smell the closer you are to mice activity. This smell can linger for a long time (even after an infestation has been removed).

Dangers of Rodents

In the past century alone, more than 10 million people have died from rodent-borne diseases. Although rodents are not major threats to our everyday health, it is justified to be concerned over the potential for rodents to transmit diseases. By their very nature and design, rodents make excellent “vehicles” for harboring and rapidly transporting diseases.

Lyme Disease

Description: Skin lesions, fever, headaches, arthralgias

Carrier: All rodents

Mode of Transmission: Rodent tick bite

Salmonella (Food Poisoning)

Description: Causes intestinal disorders

Carrier: Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission: Rodent feces contamination

Rat-Bite Fever

Description: Relapsing fever that may last several months

Carrier: Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission: Bacteria in mouth and nose of rodent, transmitted via bite or scratch

Typhus

Description: Fever, headache, rash, respiratory attack

Carrier: Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission: Rat flea bite

Plague

Description: Attacks circulatory & respiratory systems

Carrier: Various rodents

Mode of Transmission: Rodent flea bite or by handling an infected animal

Pox (Rickettsial)

Description: Lesion followed by fever, headache, rash

Carrier: House Mouse

Mode of Transmission: Bite of a mite which lives on mice

Snake Bites

Snake awareness is important in protecting you and your family from snake bites.

Be aware of the dangers, know the signs of snakes and take steps to avoid them.

‘Proof’ your home and garden.

Know the symptoms and appropriate treatment.

Types of Venomous Snake Bites

CYTOTOXIC– An agent or process that is toxic to cells and suppresses cell function or causes cell death.

HAEMOTOXIC– An agent or process that kills red blood cells and prevents clotting resulting in internal and external bleeding.

NEUROTOXIC– An agent or process that is destructive or deadly to nerves or nervous tissue.

Putting close fitting fences or walls around ponds can be a deterrent.

Seen a snake?

Do not worry Ecopoise’s team of experts are qualified for the capture and removal of snakes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Treating Snake Bite

If no symptoms have occurred within half an hour of the bite then indications would be that it was not a venomous snake, it failed to inject any venom or the snake was very old and had little or no venom left.

DO

Try to identify the snake; color, size, shape of the head, attacking method are useful.

Loosen the Victim’s clothing and move them into the shade.

Keep the victim calm and still; movement will increase blood flow and transport the venom to the heart much faster.

Immobilize the limb but do NOT restrict blood flow unless you are certain the bite was from a snake that delivers neurotoxic venom.

Clean and dress the wound being careful not to apply pressure and cause bruising.

Be prepared to administer CPR if necessary.

Get the victim to a hospital quickly.

DO NOT

While there can be differences of opinion as to what we should do for snake bites the consensus of opinion as to what not to do is reasonably consistent:

Allow the victim to exercise or stress themselves.

Cut the bite or attempt to suck the venom out.

Give the victim anything to eat or drink especially alcohol.

Use potassium permanganate crystals or solution near or on the bite wound.

Our Services

The workplace environment can greatly influence an employee’s satisfaction at work. Happy and content workers are productive and are always inspired to do their jobs well.

Employees are not the only ones that roam around the office. Possible clients, suppliers, and investors sometimes pay a visit, too. The last thing you want is for them to be turned off by a messy, unorganized, and dirty workplace.

An unhygienic workplace increases cases of employee absenteeism, costing the business a considerable amount of money. If you have substandard hygiene in the office, expect more and more employees taking sick days.

Making sure that your workplace adheres to basic standards of hygiene will help diminish the spread of disease-carrying bacteria and viruses that can be rampant in shared spaces like office kitchens and washrooms.

If your workplace is being cleaned on a regular basis, there are very slim chances of accidents happening and employees getting injured. Looking from another angle, this also means that a filthy office increases chances of accidents such as slips, trips, and falls.

Pest control companies are not necessarily experts in exterminating pests in your home and business. However, experience and training can make a big difference when choosing which pest control company to call. ECOPOISE has been taking care of pest problems for 10 years. Our technicians undergo rigorous training on pest biology and management to ensure that we only provide you with responsible treatments. At ECOPOISE, we offer the following services:

For the infestation of cockroaches, bed bugs, and other crawling insects comprehensive spraying will be carried out in the premises using Approved chemicals by the Ministry of Environment and Water of Dubai and Abu Dhabi Municipality. As for hard to reach and critical areas gel baiting shall be done.

Flying insects can be controlled in numerous ways like misting, fogging and larviciding, however, the ultimate solution for pest infestation would be eliminating the root cause of the infestation through sanitation and exclusion methods.

We do the Internal and External rat bait system using approved rodenticides. They will be placed only on selected areas particularly on possible runways and breeding sites of rats and mice. We also offer pest control for another pest, like snakes, birds, and cats’ control. We offer alternative exclusion methods like trapping and exclusion methods like nets, as we from Teminex Pest Control do care for our environment.

Weed problem has also been a problem for most roadworks, and building construction. Ecopoise has developed a spraying system for weed control using the latest herbicide in the market. With its weed sprayer system, surely your weed problem is under control.

For Stored product pests, Ecopoise is fully capable of Fumigation. Be it Stack, Container or Bulk fumigation, we can make the solution specially catered to your specific needs. Fumigation is a risky process and we at Ecopoise will carry the safest fumigation program possible for you.

Our Integrated Pest Management Program (Partnership, Exclusion, Sanitation, Treatment) has been the foundation for our success in achieving and maintaining our status as a trusted provider of pest control services in ABU DHABI and DUBAI. Once you sign an agreement with us, that is the start of our partnership. Because we want the least usage of chemicals as much as possible, we also incorporate other control methods that do not involve chemicals. We also use mechanical traps and pheromone traps as well. We want to solve the pest problems into their root cause through exclusion and sanitation.

PARTNERSHIP – achieved by close cooperation between us and our client partner thru effective communication. We are very open to the needs of our clients. We have an emergency response team for your urgent needs, all you need to do is call our Customer Service Hotline and a reliable team shall assists you with your needs.

EXCLUSION – aims to protect a building against pest entry through effective proofing measure and inspections by us followed by recommendation which our client partner shall work upon. We serve as your other opinion by giving you recommendations on what has to be improved from your facility to prevent pest infestation. This is through our service inspection, done by our qualified Entomologists.

SANITATION – calls for a high standard of hygiene. A professional pest control specialist can assist you in the maintenance of proper sanitation and pest control standards through our inspection reports. In addition, we also help your staff by giving you pest awareness training. We at Ecopoise educate our clients so they can be a reliable partner towards our common goal, to control the pest in their facility.

TREATMENT – our last approach in managing pest problems whereby treatment of infestation must be efficiently and speedily carried out with consideration for safety measures. As you can see, treatment is just a part of our Integrated Pest Management Program. We do not rely majorly on chemicals, but we believe in solving pest infestations at their root causest Control now and you will receive a free survey. Our qualified entomologist and sales consultant shall inspect your premise Green Pest Management is an extension of our Integrated Pest Management Program. The basics of Integrated Pest Management is being followed only for one exception, the chemicals being used for the treatment part are ORGANIC PESTICIDES.

Organic Pesticides are naturally occurring and are low-risk materials. Using these organic pesticides lowers the risk of health and safety issues. In lieu of some organic pesticides, Synthetic insect growth regulators are also being used. These IGRs are pest specific and have a very low mammalian toxicity. They may not be organic pesticides but they gave that they qualities of being target specific and have very low mammalian toxicity they are found appropriate for low impact structural pest management as they are incorporated with a definitive Pest Management.

Aside from the use of organic pesticides, Green Pest Management shall also rely heavily on the usage of monitoring through physical control and trapping. This method allows us to apply the usage of the pest action threshold. The pest action threshold shall be set so as during monitoring if the pest action threshold is reached, appropriate actions will be implemented.

The first week on each new site is the most dangerous and accidents are more frequent at the end of the day. To minimize accidents at the work site, most construction companies conduct health and safety induction training to all employees and personnel entering the work sites. A sticker placed on hard hats bearing the name or logo of the contractor is a symbol that an employee has completed the health and safety induction training.

Head Covering

The hair and skin on the neck and head must always be protected. This is important in situations where exposure from chemical sprays is possible. Chemical-resistant rain hats, wide-brimmed hats, and washable hard hats are good. Do not use cotton or felt hats as they absorb pesticides.

Goggles And Respirator

Wear shielded safety glasses or a full-face shield whenever the chemical could possibly contact your eyes. Safety glasses with brow and side shields are acceptable for low exposure situations. Always wear goggles or full-face respirator when you are pouring or mixing concentrates or working in a highly toxic spray or dust. In high exposure situations when both face and eye protection are needed, a face shield can be worn over goggles. Clean them after each use.

Respirators

Respirators protect the applicator from inhaling toxic chemicals. The label will tell you if a respirator is required. Consider wearing one during any lengthy exposure with a high risk of pesticide inhalation. Always wear a respirator while mixing or filling highly toxic pesticides. Applicators who will be constantly exposed to small amounts of moderately toxic pesticides for a day or several days should also wear a respirator.

Gloves

Always wear chemical-resistant gloves when handling all pesticides. Never use leather or cotton gloves as these types of gloves can be more hazardous than no protection at all because they absorb and hold the pesticide close to your skin for long periods of time.

Safety Shoes

Always wear safety shoes when working on the site or when handling or applying moderately or highly toxic pesticides. Wash the shoes after each use and dry thoroughly inside and out to remove all pesticide residue. Use them only for pesticide applications.

Body Covering And Safety Vest

Regular work attire of long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, and socks should always be worn when applying pesticides. Many applicators prefer work uniforms and cotton coveralls that fit the regular-work-attire description and provide equal protection. Applicators should reserve one set of clothing for pesticide use only. Launder and store separately from all other clothing.

Hazard Lights On Vehicle

All vehicles must be equipped with appropriate hazard and stop lights. These warning lights should be used at all times while working inside the project site.

Use Of Warning Signboards At The Work Site

Prior to the start of chemical application, warning signs should be in place at the work site to notify all workers that the anti-termite treatment application is in progress.

ECOPOISE Pest Control started operating in Abu Dhabi in 1999. In 2006, our company expanded its services to Dubai and has been one of the major players in the pest control industry in South Africa since then. Our company is made up of professionals with extensive experience in the pest control industry. We also have certified entomologists who conduct training for our technicians to ensure that our people can answer all your inquiries with confidence and accuracy. Lastly, we have the service technicians who make up the core of the company. Our existing customers can attest to the courteousness and dependability of our technicians when it comes to service treatments. ECOPOISE adopts international standards where our pest control services are concerned. As we all know, several studies have proven that the extensive use of chemicals is not only hazardous to the people and the environment but also results in the development of insect resistance to pesticides. At ECOPOISE, we believe that modern pest control should be based on the foundation of scientific principles, technology, good judgment, and sound decision. This is why our company relies on the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is not a single pest control method but a combination of different control practices, ranging from cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical control. IPM is a program that combines information on pests and the available pest control methods, then uses this to manage pest damage in the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and environment. You can trust that all our service programs are designed using the principles of IPM and that you and your family will only receive the most effective and safest way to pest management. We take pride in the ECOPOISE name and we support this by giving our commitment to provide you with quality service.

Commercial Pest Control by IndustryPests can become a destructive and financial liability on your business, not only because of the damage they can do within your premises but also in the loss of goodwill and reputation to your business. In addition, employees expect to work in an environment which is pest-free. We offer our pest control services at a wide range of commercial industries across South AfricaAt Ecopoise, our team of experts, understand the different requirements of each area in the hospitality industry.BedroomsBed bugs and other biting insects pose the biggest pest threats to hotel accommodation.All hotels are at risk, but especially those with a large number of international travelers or guests that move frequently between hotels.Early detection and innovative solutions, such as Ecopoise’s chemical-free heat treatment for insect ensure that bed bugs do not spread to other parts of your building.On top of treatment and prevention, we can help you to train your staff to check for bed bug signs to ensure early detection.

Kitchen and Dining AreasMice, rats, flies and cockroach problems pose a high risk of spreading disease in the kitchen, restaurant, and other dining areas.Proactive treatment is essential in these areas and will be expected by environmental health inspections.We are experts in understanding food safety legislation, which regulates businesses handling and serving food – as set out by the Food Standards Agency, HACCP regulation and monitoring.Other AreasInternal: Other areas like sports facilities or back-of-house areas are at lower risk of pest infestations, but will be included as part of our regular servicing plan and inspectionsExternal: Bird deterrence and proofing against rodents and other wildlife will be included in our service to treat and prevent pest problems in your grounds and gardens.Rapid, discreet response – our rapid response commitment means that your technician will be with you quickly to deal with the pest problem so that it does not come back.Tailored solutions – designed specifically for each hotel area and to prevent any pest activity indoors and outside.Dedicated scientific team – provide expert knowledge of pests and the most effective control methods.Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – comply with all legislative standards and any audit requirements.Innovative solutions – including our chemical-free heat treatment for bed bugs.Integrated service plans – our plans are based on specific threats and your particular needs. Your local technician will regularly visit your premises to check bait stations, look for signs of pest activity, identify potential risks and advise on any steps to reduce the risk of future pest problems.Pest awareness training – we provide training for house-keeping staff to help spot the early signs of a pest problem, enabling quicker and more effective treatments. Evidence of pest activity on the premises of your bar or restaurant could seriously jeopardize your reputation.Mice, rats, flies, and cockroaches pose a particular threat to hygiene standards in food preparation and storage areas because of their disease risk.By reducing the threat of pests and potential damage and contamination to food and stocks, we can help to protect your brand name.A professional pest control service can help to protect your assets and ensure you continue to deliver high-quality food and service.It will also enable you to maintain the highest level of hygiene throughout your premises.Regular visits – your local Technician will regularly visit your premises to check rat bait stations look for signs of pest activity, identify potential risks and advise on any steps you can take to reduce the risk of future pest problems.Tailored solutions – we customize our service to control common pests affecting food businesses, such as rats, mice, flies, and cockroaches.Pest-disinfection service – using a unique biocidal product to reduce disease-causing organisms left by pests, the pest disinfection service offers peace of mind.Rapid response – If there is a problem, our rapid response commitment means your Technician will be with you quickly and will deal with any pest problem (using innovative methods such as Entotherm insect heat treatment) so that it does not come back.Food Hygiene Rating Scheme compliance – our solutions aim to fulfill all obligations as required by the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (previously Scores on the Doors). It is a requirement for all food-based businesses and looks at the confidence in management, hygiene, safety, and structural elements of a workplace. A supermarket is no place for a pest. Any sign of pest activity can seriously harm your brand and public perception and, critically, pose serious health risks in areas where fresh food is handled.At Ecopoise, our pest control solutions for food retailers provide the reassurance of complete protection from pest problems.We have extensive experience in helping supermarkets with their pest problems and providing effective solutions to manage an infestation safely and effectively.Pest Control SolutionAt Ecopoise, we understand the importance of good pest control to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for employees, customers, and visitors.Recognizing the food retail industry with a zero tolerance to pests, we provide a dedicated team of High Dependency technicians.Their expertise and industry knowledge will help to plan the most effective pest control service for your supermarket, minimart or local food retail shop.Our understanding of food legislation will ensure that our service enables you to comply with all legal obligations.Full site inspections – as part of our regular service visits your High Dependency Service Technician will fully inspect all areas of the store and around its perimeter. Any pest activity or pest risks will be identified.Innovative treatments – our research and development team has developed a range of proven solutions, including our chemical-free Entotherm insect heat treatment, to solve any issue with minimal disruption.Recommendations – will be documented as well as highlighted to staff on the site. It will include advice on working practices and procedures to reduce the risk of pests entering the store or becoming a problem.Local Food Retailers – We support smaller, local grocers and other food retailers such as butchers and bakers with professional control solutions for common pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches, and flies.Bakeries – may face particular problems from Stored Products Insects (SPIs) and our innovative chemical-free heat treatment offers the ideal solution to these insect pests. Even if your business does not handle food, pest problems can occur on premises where goods and people are constantly on the move.Once they are present, pests could damage your stock and severely harm your reputation. As for non-food retailers, you may face pest threats from rodents, flies, moths and biting insects. A wide range of other insects and nuisance birds are also common problems.A professional pest control solution can provide the protection you need for your stock and reputation. It will also ensure a safe and hygienic working environment for your staff.Whatever the nature of your business may be, from second-hand furniture to textiles, our technicians will work discreetly to protect your business from any pest threats.Local certified technicians – our technicians are local and they are there to support you whether it is a one-off pest problem or to provide you with the peace of mind of a service plan.Regular service visits – your local technician will regularly visit your site to check and top up bait stations, check for signs of pest activity, identify potential risks and advise you on any steps you can take to reduce the risk of pest problems.Innovative treatments – we have access to a range of targeted treatments, including chemical-free solutions to eliminate bed bugs and moths.Preventative measures – we can offer expert advice on proofing and preventing a re-infestation. At Ecopoise, we can help to maintain a safe environment for office staff and visitors, and minimize the spread of disease and germs from common pests.Bakeries – may face particular problems from Stored Products Insects (SPIs) and our innovative chemical-free heat treatment offers the ideal solution to these insect pests. Even if your business does not handle food, pest problems can occur on premises where goods and people are constantly on the move.Once they are present, pests could damage your stock and severely harm your reputation. As for non-food retailers, you may face pest threats from rodents, flies, moths and biting insects. A wide range of other insects and nuisance birds are also common problems.A professional pest control solution can provide the protection you need for your stock and reputation. It will also ensure a safe and hygienic working environment for your staff.Whatever the nature of your business may be, from second-hand furniture to textiles, our technicians will work discreetly to protect your business from any pest threats.Local certified technicians – our technicians are local and they are there to support you whether it is a one-off pest problem or to provide you with the peace of mind of a service plan.Regular service visits – your local technician will regularly visit your site to check and top up bait stations, check for signs of pest activity, identify potential risks and advise you on any steps you can take to reduce the risk of pest problems.Innovative treatments – we have access to a range of targeted treatments, including chemical-free solutions to eliminate bed bugs and moths.Preventative measures – we can offer expert advice on proofing and preventing a re-infestation. At Ecopoise, we can help to maintain a safe environment for office staff and visitors, and minimize the spread of disease and germs from common pests.Pests in OfficesPests in and around offices can cause great distress. They can also damage your office building, fittings, and stock, with computer equipment and cables being particularly at risk from rodents.In our experience, insects pose a particular problem in offices. We provide monitors to detect signs of activity and to prevent an infestation spreading quickly and disrupting your business.Often the location and age of an office building will have an impact on the likelihood of a pest problem. Other contributing factors include a food canteen on-site, the nature of goods stored in the building and the size and layout of your offices.Certain areas of an office can face a greater threat from particular pests.FREE site survey – we will carefully survey your entire office space to assess the risk level and define an appropriate service to ensure a pest problem does not take hold.Rapid response – If there is a problem, our rapid response commitment means that your technician will be with you quickly to deal with the pest problem so that it does return.Regular visits – Your local technician will regularly visit your offices to check bait stations, look for signs of pest activity, identify potential risks and advise on any steps you can take to reduce the risk of pest problems.Multi-site contracts – If you are responsible for a network of premises, these can all be incorporated into a single service agreement with an account manager to coordinate service delivery across your offices. Each individual site will still have its links to local technicians and surveyors. Pest control has an important role in preventing secondary infection in hospitals, surgeries, and nursing homes.As the leading expert in pest control, Ecopoise has the expertise to deliver the highest level of reassurance against pests, while being sensitive to the special needs of working in a healthcare environment.By their nature, healthcare facilities are busy places and it is difficult to prevent rodents, flies, cockroaches and other insects such as ants from entering the building and thriving with the food and warmth they can find there.These pests are a serious threat in every environment, but in primary healthcare, the risk of cross-contamination is acute.We have been working with hospital trusts and other healthcare providers for many years to anticipate and prevent potential pest risks.We have a solid understanding of the requirements for healthcare facilities.Structural advice – advice on avoiding the creation of pest harbourages.Logistical advice – food supply, waste management and laundry disposal handling to minimize the risk of pest infestation.Control measures – regular monitoring conducted by a certified pest control expert to detect any pest activityPrevention advise – if a pest infestation is discovered, we will help to prevent the spread of pathogens. Pre-Construction or Soil Treatment involves building an anti-termite barrier underneath the building structure as a protection against damages caused by Subterranean Termites; this treatment is done before the building is constructed. With the use of hydraulic spray nozzles, the sites are treated a water-based termiticide before the laying of the concrete slabs on the ground.The non-repellent termiticide kills the subterranean termites by contact and ingestion. Termites that come into contact with the termiticide experience the “slow kill” and in their return to the colony, and they transfer it to the rest. The treatment has limited effectiveness if carried out when the soil is saturated or excessively wet, or when it is likely to rain.Ecopoise Soil TreatmentOur technicians are experienced and well-equipped to carry out soil treatments for your premises safely and systematically to ensure high effectiveness. Nonetheless, to give our customers greater assurance, we warrant the effectiveness of our treatment for five (5) years and undertake the responsibility to carry out re-treatment should there be a re-infestation of Subterranean Termites within the warranty period.FREE site survey – we will carefully survey your entire office space to assess the risk level and define an appropriate service to ensure a pest problem does not take hold.Rapid response – If there is a problem, our rapid response commitment means that your technician will be with you quickly to deal with the pest problem so that it does return.Regular visits – Your local technician will regularly visit your offices to check bait stations, look for signs of pest activity, identify potential risks and advise on any steps you can take to reduce the risk of pest problems.Multi-site contracts – If you are responsible for a network of premises, these can all be incorporated into a single service agreement with an account manager to coordinate service delivery across your offices. Each individual site will still have its links to local technicians and surveyors.

Residential Services

Residential Pest Control

Pests are never welcome in your home. They can be a serious health risk to your family and they can cause major damage to your home, internally and externally. Regular maintenance for your home against South Africa’s most common pests gives you and your family peace of mind.

Our services begin with an evaluation by a highly qualified inspector, who will gladly provide you a strategy to remedy your pest problems. Ecopoise offers a variety of service options, including, monthly, quarterly, one-time services. Our general pest control program covers ants, roaches, centipedes, earwigs, silverfish, spiders, mice, and many other common pests.

Our technicians are dedicated to their assigned territories and are in your neighborhood on a regular basis. Following your initial inspection, our technicians will continue to monitor your home and perform routine, preventative maintenance. The two most common species of rodents likely to infest our homes and garden in South Africa are the House Mouse (mus-domesticus) and the Brown Rat (rattus-norvegicus). Both of these can cause serious distress and damage as well as been the carriers of lethal bacteria.

We can never ever doubt the agility and perseverance of these rodents. In order to combat these rodents successfully we have to examine the reasons they are in a particular area, the access to this area and the availability of food and or water.

Ecopoise has fully trained technicians to help you in eradicating and preventing rodent infestation.

Most households at some stage will inevitably encounter an insect problem of some sort at some stage. The most common infestation in South Africa is likely to be the common garden ant (lasius niger) or the common wasp (vespula vulgaris).

These insects can sometimes become too much of a nuisance for us to share our dwelling with and Total Pest Control have methods of eradicating these insects with little or no disruption to the home.

We can also encounter the more serious insect pests such as the Cockroach (blattella germanica), that can literally take over your home or the nastier biting insects such as Bed Bugs (cimex lectularius) and Fleas (ctenocephalides felis).

An infestation of these insects requires expert treatment to completely eradicate and Ecopoise has various techniques both physical and chemical to do just that.

Crawling Insects, Flying Insects, Ants, Flies. This practice entails applying the right product at the right time to control target weeds. This is often called IPM – integrated pest management.

Weed control – combined with regular fertilization, proper mowing, and correct watering practices – will keep the grass thriving while the weeds disappear.

Weed control programs may involve both preemergent and postemergent applications to prevent spring weed emergence and in the summer to control pervasive weeds.

Contact treatments are made at peak germination periods of broadleaf weeds. The control product must contact the leaf surface of the plant to be effective.

Weed control products used by Ecopoise are tested and approved and are applied by licensed, trained professionals.

Ecopoise’s equipment is calibrated to apply the proper amount of product to eliminate weeds. To improve performance, keep children and pets off the lawn until it is dry.